Linux Kernel EUVD-2026-26561

Upgrade to patched kernel versions: 5.10.253+ for 5.10.y branch, 5.15.203+ for 5.15.y, 6.1.168+ for 6.1.y, 6.6.134+ for 6.6.y, 6.12.81+ for 6.12.y, 6.18.22+ for 6.18.y, 6.19.12+ for 6.19.y, or 7.0+ for mainline. Distribution-specific updates should be applied via normal package management once vendors incorporate these stable kernel releases. Patch commits available at https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/[commit_hash] for each affected branch. For systems unable to immediately upgrade, compensating controls include: (1) Blacklist the me_daq kernel module if ME-2600 hardware is not in use (add 'blacklist me_daq' to /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf and rebuild initramfs) - eliminates attack surface entirely but renders hardware non-functional. (2) Restrict firmware loading paths by implementing strict file permissions on /lib/firmware and /sys/class/firmware directories (chmod 700, chown root:root) and monitor for unauthorized firmware file modifications using file integrity monitoring - reduces risk of malicious firmware injection but may complicate legitimate firmware updates. (3) Apply kernel module signing policies to prevent unsigned module loading if not already enforced - provides defense-in-depth but requires certificate infrastructure and doesn't prevent exploitation if attacker has sufficient privileges. Note that firmware loading typically requires CAP_SYS_ADMIN capability, so enforcing principle of least privilege and removing unnecessary sudo/capability grants reduces exposure. Industrial control systems should prioritize patching during scheduled maintenance windows due to potential operational impact of kernel updates.